Kate Esmond

Job Title

Skills for Life Co-ordinator for the Adult Community Learning Service   

Location

Whitgift Adult Community Learning Centre but manage learning opportunities throughout North East Lincolnshire

How long have you worked here?

Worked locally since 1984.   Worked in Adult Education since 1976.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

Two days are never the same. I may meet a prospective learner and talk to them about which class would suit them. I will also give them an initial assessment in English or Maths to establish what they can already do and what they need to improve upon. I may observe a tutor and give them feedback. I may have a meeting with another organisation to set up a class in their venue. I may write a report.

Do you need any qualifications or specific training?

You need an Adult Teaching qualification. You also need a specific Literacy or Numeracy teaching qualification. You need experience in working with adults who are improving their English/Maths. You need knowledge about how adults can improve their English/Maths. Most of all you need to want to help adults achieve their goals.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Seeing people learn, gain qualifications and improve their skills.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Making the funding stretch to do everything we would like to do.

Are there any progression opportunities in your career?

I could become an Ofsted Inspector, inspecting adult learning.

If you could change one aspect of your job what would it be?

Make the rigid funding more flexible.

What inspires or motivates you to do your job on a daily basis?

"You have changed my life" is an example of a comment made by an adult who achieved her English qualification which enabled her to progress in her job. It doesn't get much more rewarding than that.